Primordial Black Holes: Could They Be Hidden in Planets or Everyday Objects? | |
The universe may hold secrets that challenge our understanding of physics, and primordial black holes (PBHs) are among the most fascinating possibilities. These mysterious, ancient phenomena—hypothetical relics of the early universe—could exist in forms ranging from hollow planets to microscopic tunnels in the materials we encounter every day. A new study, co-led by the University at Buffalo and published in the Physics of the Dark Universe, explores unconventional ways to detect PBHs. The findings suggest that while these elusive black holes have never been observed, their signatures might be closer than we think—either as hollow planetoids in space or as tiny tunnels in Earthly substances like glass, metal, or rock. ________________________________________ A Tale of Two Possibilities: Space and Earth 1. Hollow Planets in Space PBHs, theorized to have formed during the chaotic moments after the Big Bang, are far smaller and denser than the stellar black holes created by collapsing stars. Researchers propose that if a PBH were trapped within a celestial object like a planet or asteroid, it could devour the liquid core, leaving behind a hollow shell. The study calculated that such hollow objects could exist only if they were no larger than one-tenth of Earth's radius. Beyond that size, the shell would collapse under its own weight. The low-density nature of these objects could make them detectable through orbital studies, offering a promising new way to identify PBHs. ________________________________________ 2. Tunnels in Everyday Objects PBHs might also pass through solid materials, leaving behind straight, microscopic tunnels. These tunnels, potentially detectable under a microscope, could offer clues to PBH activity over billions of years. Large, ancient slabs of metal, stone, or even historic buildings could be examined for these telltale traces. Though the chances of a PBH interacting with a specific object are slim—calculated at just 0.000001 for a billion-year-old boulder—the effort required to search is minimal compared to the groundbreaking potential of such a discovery. ________________________________________ What If a Primordial Black Hole Passed Through You? Fascinatingly, the study reassures that a PBH passing through a person would likely go unnoticed. Unlike solid materials, human tissue lacks the tension necessary for a PBH to create visible damage. Even with its immense kinetic energy, the PBH's speed would prevent it from causing significant disruption. ________________________________________ A Call for New Ideas in Physics The hunt for primordial black holes is more than a search for exotic phenomena; it’s part of a broader effort to solve some of physics' greatest mysteries, including the nature of dark matter. Theoretical physicist Dejan Stojkovic, a co-author of the study, emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to these challenges, stating, “We don’t need a straightforward extension of existing models. We probably need a completely new framework altogether.” ________________________________________ The Next Frontier While the evidence for PBHs remains elusive, the methods proposed in this study represent a significant step forward. Whether we find hollow planetoids or microscopic tunnels, each discovery brings us closer to unraveling the secrets of the cosmos. For those eager to stay informed on groundbreaking science, subscribe to Phys.org's daily newsletter for updates on the latest discoveries and innovations shaping our understanding of the universe. | |
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